A major infrastructure project in Ghana’s Western Nzema area is drawing significant controversy as traditional leaders and government authorities clash with a coalition of concerned citizens over the compulsory acquisition of 20,000 acres of land for a private sector led Petroleum Hub.
Citizen Opposition
On August 15, 2024, Engr. Ndede Kojo Isaac, representing the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People, submitted a formal petition to the President of Ghana, calling for an immediate halt to the project. The petition cites a lack of due process, inadequate stakeholder engagement, and the absence of fair, intergenerational compensation for affected landowners.
Government Dismisses Petition
A day later, on August 16, the Office of the President issued a response dismissing the petition, stating that all legal and constitutional procedures, including community consultations, have been followed. The President’s office emphasized that a 2021 court ruling supports the project’s continuation and denied allegations that the land was being privately registered in the name of a traditional leader.
Traditional Council Responds
Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief and President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, issued a strongly worded rebuttal. In multiple communications, he expressed full support for the Petroleum Hub, describing it as a transformative initiative for the Jomoro municipality and the broader Nzema region. He accused the petitioners of spreading misinformation and attempting to incite division, claiming that the group behind the petition lacks legitimacy and recognition within the traditional framework.
The Council insists the land in question is stool land customary land owned by the community and that compensation negotiations have already been held. The final compensation figures are expected to be announced during the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for August 19, 2024.
Underlying Tensions
The conflict exposes deeper tensions in land governance, traditional authority, and regional development. Accusations of political agendas, historical grievances, and questions over representation continue to fuel debate. The petitioners are portrayed by project advocates as obstructionist and politically motivated, while the coalition argues it is fighting for justice and accountability.
The Path Forward
Despite protests, all signs indicate that the Petroleum Hub project will proceed as planned. Both the government and traditional leaders frame the project as a historic opportunity to bring economic growth and employment to the region.
The upcoming sod-cutting ceremony will likely serve not only as the physical start of construction but also as a symbolic marker of the state’s commitment to development despite local resistance.
By: Nzematoday Tv
